TO MY SISTERS IN THE NETHERLANDS

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim

My dear sisters in the Netherlands, As Salaamu Alaikum,

I listen intently to news of your current situation for I know and understand how strenuous and difficult it can be to live in a non-Muslim country. You are my sisters in Islam and I pray and feel for your well being although we have never met. As your Muslim sister I feel compelled to communicate to you in the only way I can, from afar, as to the conflict that has arisen about your current struggle to wear niqab. Al hamdulillah, Allah has placed love in your heart for modesty. Al hamdulillah Allah has given you the ability and strength to stand up for what you believe.

I, as you, love my niqab, and treasure the true freedom and protection it brings to my life. We have chosen this form of dress in order to please Allah alone, and because of this choice it is easy for all people to distinguish us as Muslims. InshaAllah this choice will bring us rewards and blessings from Allah, but with it comes tremendous responsibility. As we are clearly associated with Islam, everything we do will be seen by those around us…we are quite literally ambassadors of our beautiful deen. We don’t even have to speak. Our actions, our behavior, will all undoubtedly be one of the major factors actively educating all people about who Muslims are and what Islam is.

With this in mind I view your situation from afar and I see, from the outside, something which perhaps you are unable to see from where you stand. I see a conflict which appears to be escalating unnecessarily. When living in a non-Muslim society we mustn’t allow ourselves to harbor the mentality of victims. Yes, we suffer many hardships and injustices but my message to you is this, for the sake of Allah, take those hardships and rather than letting the actions and abuses of others propel further conflict and division, use them to build trust, mutual respect, and well-being between you and the non-Muslims around you.

Ask Allah for the strength and wisdom that Muhammad (peace be upon him) displayed at Hudaybia. When Muhammad (peace be upon him) sat with the Meccans to write a treaty of peace, the scribe began to wrote the contract between Muhammad the Prophet of Allah and the Quraish. The negotiator sent to represent the Quraish insisted that he remove it as they did not believe he was the Prophet of Allah. Subhan Allah, our beloved Prophet’s wisdom was so great. He did not get offended, angry, or defensive and insist upon what he knew to be true. He understood the potential benefits behind making a compromise in an area that was not necessarily compulsory. He knew he was the Prophet of Allah, he didn’t need to insist, and insisting in this circumstance may have escalated and promoted more conflict.

My sisters, I know and understand what you are feeling. My suggestion for you is this: Let us for a moment try to completely put ourselves in the shoes of those who want you to remove your niqabs. According to my understanding, they are saying they want you to uncover you faces only, for the sake of improving security, and their society. Al hamdulillah, they are not asking you to take of your hijabs as we know that wearing hijab is obligatory for Muslim women. Most of us know that there are differing views amongst the scholars about whether or not niqab is obligatory. Of course, it is your decision but I would like to suggest that you, my sisters, consider both your surrounding environment as well as what turbulent times we are living in. In one of the most liberal environments in the world, a woman’s face will most likely not be thought of as sexual as there are some women there who expose themselves completely. In addition, we are living in a time when terrible things are being done in the name of Islam to innocent Muslims and non-Muslims all over the world. If we sincerely take some time to put ourselves in their shoes and try to understand their reasons for asking you to take off your niqabs, considering the country’s environment and their security fears, their concerns seem to be valid.

It is a time for wisdom, patience, and understanding. My sisters, in the end, it is of course your decision. But as your sister and fellow niqabi, I would suggest that, for the sake of Allah, you rise above this conflict and remove your niqabs. I know it is a difficult sacrifice. Allah knows what is in your hearts. Allah knows you are strong, free, capable women. Take this chance and publicly explain to the world that while Islam is a religion of obedience and submission to God it is also a religion of moderation and wisdom. Muslim women will always wear our hijabs, it is a duty to our Lord that we freely abide by and will not compromise, but we will take off our niqabs as a sincere and meaningful gesture of peace. We will pray to Allah that this gesture of understanding promotes trust, goodwill, and respect between us and our community. Stand up and as Muslims be ambassadors for Islam, peacemakers, bridge builders, and leaders. Be the ones with the strength of character to show your sincere goodwill toward those you live amongst, Muslim and non-Muslim alike.

May Allah guide us all to His straight path in these confusing and difficult times. May Allah help you and aid you my sisters.

As Salaamu Alaikum

Sakeena Marie